Old Testament
Jeremiah 15:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So the LORD responded: "If you come back to me, I will restore you and let you stand in my presence again. If you speak what is worthy instead of what is worthless, you will be my spokesman. Let the people turn to you — but don't lower yourself to their level."
Compare translations
Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.
What Jeremiah 15:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is speaking to Jeremiah, emphasizing the importance of returning to Him for restoration. God promises that if Jeremiah repents and speaks truth instead of falsehood, he will be a spokesperson for God. The call to separate the precious from the worthless highlights the need for discernment in what is spoken and believed. God encourages Jeremiah to maintain his integrity and not to conform to the negative influences around him. This passage illustrates the relationship between repentance, divine restoration, and the responsibility of speaking truth. It reassures that God is willing to restore those who turn back to Him, while also urging them to uphold His standards in their communication and interactions with others.
How to apply Jeremiah 15:19 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek God’s forgiveness and restoration when we stray. It reminds us to speak truth and uphold our values, even when faced with pressure to conform. By doing so, we can positively influence those around us without compromising our beliefs.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 15:19
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 15:19
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 15:19 teach about repentance?
Jeremiah 15:19 emphasizes that repentance is crucial for restoration. God invites Jeremiah to return to Him, promising that if he does, he will be restored and able to stand in God's presence again. This highlights the importance of turning back to God when we stray from His path.
How can I apply the message of Jeremiah 15:19 in my life?
You can apply the message of Jeremiah 15:19 by actively seeking God's forgiveness when you feel distant from Him. Focus on speaking truth and maintaining your values, especially in challenging situations. This verse encourages you to be a positive influence on others while staying true to your beliefs.
Why does God tell Jeremiah not to lower himself to the people's level?
God advises Jeremiah not to lower himself to the people's level to maintain his integrity and uphold divine standards. This instruction serves as a reminder that, as a spokesperson for God, Jeremiah should not compromise his values or beliefs, even when faced with societal pressures.
What is the significance of being God's spokesman in Jeremiah 15:19?
Being God's spokesman signifies a special role of responsibility and influence. In Jeremiah 15:19, God promises that if Jeremiah speaks truth instead of falsehood, he will represent God’s message to the people. This highlights the importance of integrity and truthfulness in communication, especially for those called to lead.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.